Journalism is a powerful and rewarding industry. Our intensive course will equip you with the necessary skills for a career in the media.

You'll gain considerable practical experience in reporting and production across print, broadcast and electronic platforms through a series of ultra-local news portals. Additionally, you will experience a day as a journalist: sourcing stories, interviewing, filming and editing your report.

Our courses are ranked within the top Universities by the Complete University Guide and The Guardian University Tables.

Facilities

Your learning will be enhanced by our purpose-built teaching facilities which include a news room, TV and radio studio. To view these excellent facilities visit us during an Open Day.

Year 1

• News Writing
• Introduction to Media Law
• Broadcast Journalism and Production
• The Media Business
• Visual Culture and Design
• Governing the UK

Year 2

• Features Writing
• Media Semiotics and Discourse
• Public Relations
• Media Production Project
• Principles and Practice of Reporting
• Web Design

Year 3

• Applied News Production
• Media History
• Advanced Law for Journalists
• Placement or Creative Industries Theory and Practice*
• Extended Placement or Magazine Journalism*

Year 4

• Investigative Journalism
• Research Methods
• Research Project
• Two options from the following:
  • Postmodern Culture
  • Women and The Media
  • Media Strategy
• One option from the following:
  • Celebrity Culture
  • Political Communication

* Modules and delivery order may change for operational purposes.

The University regularly reviews its courses. Course content and structure may change over time. See our course disclaimer for more information. 

SQA Higher: ABBB to include English.

GCE A Level: BBC to include English.

Irish Leaving Certificate Higher: H2H2H2H3 to include English at H2.

IB Diploma: 29 to include Higher Level English at grade 5.

Alternative Qualifications: We welcome applications from those with equivalent qualifications to those stated, including SVQs/NVQs, access programmes and overseas qualifications. Applications from students with non-standard qualifications or work experience will be considered on an individual basis.

Advanced Entry: Applicants who are interested in applying for advanced entry will be considered on an individual basis.

English Language

Applicants whose first language is not English should have an IELTS of 6.0 overall, with no component lower than 5.5, or an equivalent.

We accept a variety of in-country and secure English language tests, find out more:

English Language requirements

* All entry requirements listed here should be used as a guide and represent the minimum required to be considered for entry. A small number of courses require higher levels, but this will be stated explicitly on your offer letter.

Placement 
The six-week placement in year 3 provides you with an invaluable opportunity to put your skills and knowledge to the test in an appropriate journalism and media-based environment, as well as form excellent links with potential future employers

If you are a Scottish resident or EU national you are not liable to pay fees and should apply to SAAS for funding.

Students from other parts of the UK should visit the appropriate website:

• Student Finance England
• Student Finance Wales
• Student Finance NI

Scholarships

• Information on Information, Communication & Media Scholarships

Disclaimer

Course fees are reviewed periodically and so are subject to change for new applicants. All tuition fees are fixed for the duration of a course at the rate confirmed in your offer letter. You will also be liable to pay a graduation fee of £40 before receiving a University award.

Home, EU and Rest of UK applicants to Robert Gordon University must apply online at www.ucas.com/students/apply.

It is important that you keep track of your application process using the UCAS website, as it will update you on whether you have been offered a place from the University. It is also where you should respond to offers and receive confirmation of your place within your chosen course, rather than contacting the institution in the first instance.

International fee paying students have the option of applying either via UCAS or direct using our application form.

• Download our direct application form (PDF 253KB)

The department has extensive links with the media industries, and graduates will secure careers in print, publishing, broadcast and online journalism. Opportunities for employment also exist in fields such as public relations and media management.